By Gamble Cuce
A tumultuous economy, ever-changing weather and climate patterns, and the upcoming presidential election have created a rocky road for the pest control industry. That’s according to Pest Management Professional (PMP) magazine’s 2024 State of the Industry Report.
One of the top challenges pest management professionals (PMPs) face is employee retention. Securing reliable workers who are interested in pest management as a career rather than a short-term job was cited as a top reason for talent shortages.
With good employees in short supply, protecting and retaining existing pest control workers is more important than ever. Pest control technicians are exposed to various elements as they travel from job site to job site and enter different homes and locations.
Here are four of the top risks we see at Brownyard in the form of common workers’ compensation claims, along with some tips on how you can handle them:
1. Motor Vehicle Accidents (MVAs)
Whether in a personal or company vehicle, any technician driving from client to client is at risk for MVAs. As technology advances, there are also more instances of distracted driving annually, along with hazards caused by seasonal weather and construction.
With rising risks on the road, ensure all your drivers are fully trained in defensive driving techniques and know what to do if an accident occurs. If you have a fleet of vehicles, make sure they are properly maintained and in good working order before any employee gets behind the wheel.
Finally, encourage regular communication and accountability through strategies like mandatory check-ins from drivers between service calls to ensure someone always knows where a driver is.
2. Slips and Falls
As technicians make house calls to residential and industrial areas, they often encounter new spaces with unfamiliar terrain, contributing to slip, trip, and fall claims. Hazards such as loose wires, carpeting, furniture, and other obstacles can increase the likelihood of accidents.
When entering new locations or taking on new clients, technicians should conduct a walk-through of the space if possible. If that’s not feasible, encourage clients to share any details about the environment that may help them navigate safely.
Other ways to minimize slip-and-fall incidents include:
- Training technicians to identify and avoid potential hazards
- Providing sufficient breaks between jobs to prevent exhaustion
- Assigning more than one technician to jobs that require extra support, such as working at heights, wildlife control, or bee eradication
3. Head and Back Injuries
Head and back injuries can occur when technicians treat tight areas like crawlspaces and attics or reach high spaces such as roofs or ceilings.
Management can help reduce these injuries by thoughtfully assigning job tasks. For example, avoid assigning a crawlspace job to a 6-foot-tall technician. Be mindful of weight limits when scheduling work that requires ladders or scissor lifts.
Regular training on proper ladder usage and providing protective resources such as helmets and ladder supports can further reduce injury risks.
4. Bites
One of the most common workers’ compensation claims in the pest control industry involves bite injuries. These incidents—especially insect bites and stings—can escalate quickly, sometimes leading to severe reactions over time.
While most technicians are trained to recognize and avoid dangerous pests (and even customers’ pets), additional training on handling bites and stings is essential. Providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) can also help mitigate risks. Technicians should have access to long-sleeved shirts, gloves, closed-toe shoes, and protective eyewear to guard against bites and stings.
Planning for the Future
Finding reliable talent can be challenging in today’s pest control industry. Minimizing risk, treating staff well, and retaining existing talent are essential strategies for business owners. Gaining a thorough understanding of the risks technicians face is key to protecting them.
Partnering with an insurance specialist can help minimize risks, as an experienced professional can identify top employee risks and provide mitigation strategies.
Finally, offering competitive benefits, rewarding employees for their hard work, and maintaining high safety standards will go a long way toward improving retention and keeping your workforce secure.
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Pest Management Professional – Direct to You Newsletter (May 2024)